Effective July 1, 2026, UC Santa Barbara updated its Student Conduct Code and Student Conduct Investigation and Resolution Framework to align with revisions to the University of California's systemwide Policy Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students (PACAOS).
Many of these practices have already been part of the Office of Student Conduct's work at UCSB and are now formally reflected in systemwide policy. The updates apply to both academic and behavioral misconduct cases and are intended to provide greater clarity and consistency in how student conduct matters are addressed across the UC system.
Timelines for the Conduct Process
The updated framework provides clearer timelines for different stages of the student conduct process.
An initial assessment of a reported case is typically completed within 30 business days. Investigations generally conclude within 60 to 90 business days, although more complex cases may require additional time.
Notice to Students
Students involved in the conduct process may receive one of two types of notices:
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Notice of Allegations: Initiates the disciplinary process, identifies the allegations being considered, and informs the student of their right to an advisor.
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Advisory Notice: Provides a formal, non-disciplinary communication when disciplinary action is not being pursued.
Student Rights and Accommodations
Students may request language interpretation and disability accommodations throughout the investigation and resolution process.
Resolution Options
Following an investigation, Student Conduct Administrators will offer the responding student an opportunity to meet and discuss the case. Participation in this meeting is voluntary.
Cases may then be resolved through several pathways, including:
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Administrative resolution
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Restorative practices
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Mediation
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Conflict coaching
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A formal hearing, when applicable
Possible Case Outcomes
Cases may conclude with one of three findings:
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Not Responsible: Sufficient evidence determined that the student did not violate the Student Conduct Code.
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Insufficient Findings: There was not enough evidence to determine whether a violation occurred.
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Responsible: A policy violation was established, and the case proceeds through an appropriate resolution process.
Due Process Protections
Students' due process rights vary depending on the potential sanctions associated with a case.
Students who contest a finding of responsibility when suspension or dismissal is imposed may request a formal campus hearing conducted under established procedural standards. Students also retain the right to appeal eligible decisions.
Medical Amnesty
The updated policy formally recognizes medical amnesty for students who seek emergency medical assistance during alcohol- or drug-related emergencies.
This provision is intended to encourage students to seek potentially lifesaving medical care without fear of disciplinary consequences for seeking assistance.
Sanctioning Framework
The updated policy establishes a three-tier sanctioning framework designed to promote greater consistency across the UC system.
The framework aligns sanctions with the severity of the misconduct, available evidence, and nature of the policy violation while allowing the circumstances of an individual case to be considered through the conduct process.
What Faculty Should Know
Faculty may encounter students navigating the conduct process or may have questions about reporting potential academic or behavioral misconduct. While faculty are not expected to interpret the Student Conduct Code or advise students about individual cases, awareness of the updated process can help faculty connect students with the appropriate resources and support.
We encourage you to review the updated Student Conduct Code and related resources for additional information about reporting, the conduct process, student rights, resolution options, and available support.